Report: JMU nears deal with Holy Cross coach Bob Chesney

Field Level Media|published: Thu 7th December, 11:16 2023

Holy Cross head coach Bob Chesney runs onto the field with the team for their homecoming game versus Colgate University on Saturday September 23, 2023 at Fitton Field in Worcester. credits: Photo/Alan Arsenault / USA TODAY NETWORK

James Madison has zeroed in on Holy Cross head coach Bob Chesney to be the school's next head coach, ESPN reported Thursday.

Chesney, 46, has coached the Crusaders since 2018 and guided them to four FCS postseason berths.

The three-time Patriot League Coach of the Year has compiled a 44-21 record at Holy Cross, including 7-4 in 2023.

The Crusaders went 11-0 in the regular season in 2022 and reached the FCS quarterfinals. They defeated FBS teams in 2021 (UConn) and 2022 (Buffalo) and fell by three points to both Boston College and Army this season.

Chesney would replace Curt Cignetti, who had guided the Dukes since 2019 before leaving to become the head coach at Indiana.

JMU (11-1) is slated to face Air Force in the Dec. 23 Armed Forces Bowl, with associate head coach and offensive line coach Damian Wroblewski serving as the acting head coach.

Chesney served as head coach at Division II Assumption (2013-17) and Division III Salve Regina (2010-12) before taking over at Holy Cross.

—Field Level Media